A legislative bill that died last year is getting a second life. Hawaii Senate Bill 304, would allow the state to collect a “green fee” from visitors who want to go to Hawaii’s public beaches, parks, trails, coastlines and other natural areas.
“The legislature believes that establishing a visitor impact fee of $50 in Hawaii would be a significant and effective way to raise additional revenue to offset visitor impacts and ensure a healthy environment for future generations,” the bill reads.
The argument is that Hawaii’s natural environment is heavily used by visitors so they should be willing to contribute to the care and protection of the irreplaceable natural resources, just as residents do through taxes. Other destinations, such as New Zealand and Palau, have similar programs, the bill says.
On paying the $50, visitors would receive a license effective for one year. Signs would be posted at beach parks, state parks and trail heads to inform visitors of the new rule. Any person using the natural resources without paying the fee would be required to pay a penalty.
“The establishment of a green fee is a vital piece to closing the large gap between existing and needed funding for the management of Hawaii’s natural and cultural resources,” Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, which would be managing the program, said in its testimony in support of the bill last year. “A green fee would fund land and water protection and stewardship projects that would improve our ability to care for our unique and fragile resources.”
Public testimony showed a large amount of support, but some opposition is worried it will further deter visitors from traveling to the Islands. If the bill passes, it will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
